Many West Coast Latino boxers have entered and departed the ring, their anecdotes left behind like another stain on the mat.

Latino boxing stories have floated around for ages without the benefit of being passed down from generation to generation. Buried tales and colorful narratives of beloved Mexican ring idols such as Ruben Olivares, Mando Ramos, Carlos Zarate, Danny "Little Red" Lopez, Bobby Chacon, Carlos Palomino, and Alberto Davila are showcased in these pages, their stories revived because no champion deserves to be forgotten. Other overlooked heroes and one-hit wonders of the golden era of Southland boxing (1940s-1970s) will also be saluted, along with the bygone contenders of the barrio who never saw their name in neon lights.

Gene Aguilera, a native of East Los Angeles, has seen it all in the world of boxing. In this, his third book, he uncovers the human drama of memorable West Coast Latino boxing lore. Aguilera's tireless work and loyalty has brought attention to the essential contributions of Mexican Americans in history, culture, music, and sports. Aguilera is the author of two books for Arcadia Publishing: Mexican American Boxing in Los Angeles and Latino Boxing in Southern California.